Violent clashes erupted outside Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry, involving two groups of rival football supporters. The Police Service of Northern Ireland reported injuries to a teenage boy and a man in his 20s, both requiring hospital treatment. Eyewitnesses described the attackers as masked and armed with weapons, prompting condemnation from local officials. Police believe the violence was pre-arranged and are reviewing footage to identify those involved. No arrests have been made, but there is concern over the level of violence and risk to public safety.
Local SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan condemned the trouble, noting that 'thugs came to Derry masked and armed with an array of weapons.' He emphasized the unprecedented scale of the violence and danger to the public.
Superintendent William Calderwood indicated that the violence witnessed was likely pre-arranged, stating they would review all available footage to identify those involved in the orchestrated fights.
Violent scenes erupted outside the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, where two groups of rival supporters fought using sticks and bats, causing significant damage and injuries.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland reported that the disorder involved two large groups of football supporters, indicating that the violence escalated near the Lecky Road flyover and during the subsequent match.
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